TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (WTXL) — It's an end of an era for the Florida State University women's soccer program.
Mark Krikorian announced Tuesday he is not returning as the head coach of the Florida State University women's soccer program.
"I’d like to thank FSU and the community for my 17 years in Tallahassee. Every coach has a shelf life and it is time for me to move onto my next chapter. While the university offered me a generous contract, my decision is not based on money," Krikorian said in a statement released Tuesday afternoon.
"I want to thank Dave Hart and Kim Record for bringing me to FSU and teaching me how to be a leader and a professional. Coach Bowden for showing me the importance of being a gentleman. I’d like to acknowledge Monk Bonasorte for his undying loyalty to FSU and for the constant support that he gave to FSU soccer. I would also like to thank all of the players and staff that worked so hard over the years to help create a program that has been consistently at the top of D1 women’s soccer."
Finally, I want to wish the team, the school and my fellow coaches continued success as you move forward in a new direction."
Krikorian led the Florida State women's soccer program to three NCAA Division I national championships in 2014, 2018 and 2021.
Florida State Vice President and Director of Athletics Michael Alford announced in a news release Tuesday that a national search for a new head women’s soccer coach will begin immediately.
“Coach (Mark) Krikorian has done a remarkable job over his tenure here and all Florida State alumni and supporters deeply appreciate not only what he has accomplished in terms of championships, but the caliber of graduates he has produced,” said Alford. “ We all wish him and his family well.
“We have the best women’s soccer program in the country and we will identify and pursue the best coach for our program. We have committed resources that are second to none and will continue to invest in the student-athlete experience.”
Florida State President Richard McCullough also praised the Seminoles’ legendary head coach.
“We’re saddened that Coach Krikorian will be leaving FSU,” said McCullough. “He is one of the most successful coaches in collegiate women’s soccer history, and we are grateful for his years of service, his dedication to our student-athletes, and the glory he brought to our university. We wish him all the best in the future as we look forward to our soccer program’s continued success.”
